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Are you Dumb to Click Malware Links on Mac
Essentially, I'm awfully sorry but YES!
Come on, you really want to be offended at that? Any self respecting computer user does not exist without the sound knowledge that there is a realistic threat of people who WANT to get your details for life. If you dont appreciate that, then you are Dumb!
If you're a PC User without antivirus protection, then you're Dumb! Sorry if I've offended you by saying that but even my mother at 80 is painfully aware of malware potential on computers and to a realistic level not just panicked.
If you're a Mac user and don't realise the potential for harm to your system that is posed by everyday web space interaction then YOU are just as dumb. Hate me for saying it...I don't care. Now listen carefully to what I'm about to say...
If you realise the threat but KNOW that your awareness of the threat and careful navigation through the webspace is enough, then it probably is. At this point in history, if you want an infection for your Mac you will have to click something which has given you ample warning that it is malicious but...beware
A growing number of Mac Users are not as savvy as you and are operating in the belief that they are immune to infection because of the platform on which they operate and your beliefs are therefore something which you should keep to yourself and to those who approach you who are confused, your answer MUST be to say to them to get some form of protection. My mother was INSISTENT that she wanted 'Virus Protection'
At this point in time, Sophos offer Private Mac Users a free copy of their Anti Virus Software for Mac and trust me, it runs effortlessly even on G5 Macs. Go and Get it at http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx. You wont regret it. It does NOTHING to the overall performance of my Mac and I get peace of mind. I also honestly declare that I am not getting paid one penny by them for saying that. I have had Sophos Anti-Virus on all my machines for over 5 years and they are a great company
One Listener recently wrote in and confessed to hating the idea of installing the software but finally relented and was aghast to find 80 pieces of malware on his Mac which he had no idea about. Now all of these were Windows iterations of malware, but what shocked him was that he had no idea that his mail system was accepting and storing malware without his knowledge.
Mac Users...If you Click links you dont know, then yes, you are DUMB! Dress it up how you want and slag me off all you want. When you look in the mirror in 2 years time, you'll know and I'll know that I said 'I told you so'
Be Safe, Not Stupid
Author
Ewen Rankin